Comiket Shopping Guide for Foreigners: How to Buy Doujinshi After Entering

Comiket (Comic Market) is one of the world's largest doujinshi (self-published works) sales events, and the most confusing part for first-time foreign visitors is "how to shop after entering the venue."

This article provides practical tips on how to smoothly buy doujinshi and photobooks once you're inside.

The preparation phase (checking circles, printing maps) is covered in a separate article, so this guide focuses on what to do at the venue itself.

First Things to Do After Entering

Keep Your Map Easily Accessible

The venue is extremely large, and your smartphone often won't work well due to crowds and poor signal. Keep your printed map somewhere you can quickly grab it so you won't get lost.

→ See this article for how to read the Comiket circle placement map.Comiket Circle Map Explained: How to Find Your Booth

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Comiket Circle Map Explained: How to Find Your Booth

Comiket’s circle map can be confusing for first‑time visitors. This guide explains how to read block names, hall layouts, Hiragana/Katakana labels, an...

Go Directly to Your Top Priority Circle

Comiket is a race against time. The golden rule is to head straight to the circles you "absolutely must buy from." If you make detours, items are likely to sell out.

Follow Staff Instructions

During crowded times, many aisles become one-way, and staff instructions are top priority. There are few English announcements, but if you follow the staff's movements, you'll be fine.

2. How to Buy at Circle Spaces (Practical Guide)

Check the circle map and head toward your target location. Refer to this article about reading the circle map and create your own map in advance - this is important.

In order to buy what you want, you'll need to arrive at Comiket as early as possible.
Read this article to get through your Comiket mornings.

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Find the Circle Space and Join the Line

Popular circles always have a "last person" (saigo-bi) marker - someone holding a sign showing where the line ends. Never cut across the line or jump the queue. If there's no line, you can approach directly.

For "wall circles" (popular circles along the walls), staff will guide you, so just follow the flow. Look for the "last person" sign. Wall and shutter booths almost always have lines. Circles near shutters face outward, and their lines are outside.

When You Want to Check the Contents

You may have checked the contents before purchasing in Japan before. Here's the etiquette for that.

If there's a sample copy available, you can freely read it. If not, politely ask: "Naka mitemo ii desu ka?" (May I look inside?) During busy times, don't read for long - just check what you need.

Important: At major circles, you generally should NOT check the contents. The reason is it stops the flow of the line. Help the line move quickly for those waiting behind you.

Etiquette When Not Buying

If you look inside and decide not to buy, it leaves a good impression to say: "Arigatou gozaimashita" (Thank you) before leaving. Avoid leaving silently.

Process When Buying

Once you've decided to buy, point at the item and say: "Kore ichisatsu kudasai" (One of this, please) This works 100% of the time. After receiving your purchase, move away immediately to avoid blocking the line.

Assume Circles Are "Cash Only"

Doujinshi circles (individual spaces) at Comiket almost exclusively accept cash only. Cards, QR payments, and e-money are only available at corporate booths.

Reasons: • Individual circles have unstable internet connections • They don't have payment terminals • Cash is smoothest for quick turnover

Therefore, bringing plenty of cash is essential.

Having Exact Change Is Appreciated

Circle operators are individuals who often don't have spare change. To make things smooth:

• Prepare the exact amount while waiting in line
→ Speeds up payment and doesn't hold up the line

• Use mainly 1,000 yen bills and coins
→ Avoid 5,000 and 10,000 yen bills
→ Some circles have signs saying "No 10,000 yen bills"

• Check prices on social media beforehand
→ Reduces worry about change

Important Point for Foreign Visitors (Cultural Difference)

While card payments are standard at overseas events, Comiket is run by regular people renting spaces, so "cash culture" remains strong. Therefore, knowing these cultural norms helps avoid problems: • "Cash only" • "Small bills/coins welcome" • "Large bills not accepted"

Strategies for Popular Circles (Wall & Shutter)

Almost No Chance to Talk with the Creator

Major circles at shutters have lines of hundreds of people. Creators are often working in the back, and autographs or conversations are basically impossible. The etiquette is to simply complete your purchase smoothly. If it's just a wall circle with 2 staff members, the creator might be present.

Sell-Out Time Trends

Popular circles prepare hundreds of copies but often sell out by midday. Check social media for distribution status to confirm if items are sold out - this gives peace of mind.

Cautions When Waiting in Line

Leaving the line is not allowed. If you leave before purchasing, you'll likely have to line up again from the start. The line keeps moving even while you're gone.

Cannot Check Contents

At major circles, you basically cannot check the contents of books. Checking contents stops the line from moving. Just select what you need and purchase - be aware of this.

Photobook Genre Characteristics (Cosplay/Gravure)

Signing Culture Is More Common

Photobook circles may sign items, but only when the line has calmed down. Many don't understand English, so avoid long conversations.

Pre-orders Are Common

Cosplayers often provide pre-order forms. Pre-order exclusive bonuses may be available, and you can avoid sell-out risk on the day. Sets are often only prepared for pre-order customers, so pre-order if possible.

Why Checking Sales Items on Social Media Is Important

English Is Difficult to Communicate On-Site

Conversations at Comiket are brief, and English often doesn't work well. On social media, there are translation functions, making it easier for creators to understand.

Items to Confirm

• New and existing publications • Set contents • Prices • Pre-order availability • Autograph policy • Stock estimate

For Dedicated Fans, Pre-Event Questions Are Best

If you have a favorite circle, asking questions on social media beforehand is most reliable. It minimizes day-of conversation and helps the creator too.

Useful Shopping Phrases

When you want to check the contents

If you don't buy

If you buy

Phrases to use in the purchase line

payment

Short English phrases that will please the author

Short Japanese phrases that will please the author

Basic Phrases:

• "Kore kudasai" = This one, please
• "Kore ichisatsu kudasai" = One of this, please
• "Naka mitemo ii desu ka?" = May I look inside?
• "Arigatou gozaimashita" = Thank you
• "Ikura desu ka?" = How much is it?

Avoiding Problems and Precautions

Photography Without Permission Is Prohibited

Taking photos at circle spaces is basically not allowed. Avoid photographing posters or book covers.

Cosplay Photography Is Only in Designated Areas

Photography in aisles or in front of circles is disruptive and prohibited. Dedicated cosplay areas are provided - use those. Circle-participating cosplayers have limited time in cosplay areas and sometimes don't go at all. Photography at circle spaces is only allowed if not blocking others (1-2 photos max). Always confirm with the person before taking photos.

Organize Your Purchases Outside

Spreading out your purchases inside the venue blocks traffic. Be careful even when putting books in your bag. Organize at outdoor areas or quiet wall areas where you won't be in the way, then head to your next destination. Areas marked with tape on the floor are "no stopping zones" - be careful. Staff will warn you if you stop there.

Summary

Shopping at doujinshi circles when both parties don't speak each other's language requires preparation if you have clear goals.

• Go directly to top priority circles after entering • Keep conversations short - pointing is OK • Don't expect interaction at popular circles • Pre-orders are effective for photobooks • Pre-checking on social media is best • Use romanized phrases for smooth shopping

If you’re planning to enjoy the cosplay area after shopping, I’ve prepared a separate guide that explains how to explore it safely and respectfully.
You can read it here:Comiket Cosplay Photography Guide: 6 Rules to Avoid Being Banned

English

Comiket Cosplay Photography Guide: 6 Rules to Avoid Being Banned

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Tips: Sending Feedback After Purchase Makes Creators Very Happy (Cultural Point)

At Comiket, it's almost impossible to talk leisurely with creators due to crowds. However, creators are genuinely delighted when you post impressions of purchased books or photobooks on social media with tags or send them via DM later.

• Short messages like "I read it" or "It was really good" are enough, or share your full thoughts if you want • Including photos helps creators know which book you liked • Even if they don't understand English, translation works fine, so it gets through • It's very encouraging for creators • You might be remembered as a dedicated fan

In Japanese doujinshi culture, receiving feedback is the ultimate reward. Even if you can't talk on the day, just sending a message on social media afterward brings you much closer to the creator.